Oxford City Council approved an ordinance concerning a conditional use for an indoor golf simulator entertainment facility located at 10 N. Beech St. and expressed its desire to dissolve the Student Community Relations Commission at its Sept. 2 meeting.
Revamping the old Princess Theater’s location
The site of the golf simulator, once home to the beloved Princess Theater, has been a topic of conversation in Oxford for almost a decade. After being bought out and then shut down in 2014 after a fire, residents fought hard for revival.
“I raised my kids watching movies at The Princess … we took it for granted,” council member David Prytherch said.
After The Princess closed, Prytherch started a Facebook page called “Save The Princess” in an effort to gain support for the cause.
Instead of a revival, the space transformed into student housing following its closure.
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“It’s a sad story of a community that tried, but ultimately just couldn’t pull it together,” Prytherch said.
Despite the disappointment, he said he is excited to see new entertainment of value relevant to 2025.
Prytherch spoke directly to the project pioneers in attendance at the meeting, recent Miami graduates and owners of Fitness on High and OxVegas Chicken, Tyler Storer and Jackson Trester.
“I think [the current developers] can write a new chapter for the building,” he said.
Other council members were excited by the prospect of filling the vacant space, but emphasized the need to preserve the historical aspects of the building.
“This is our one chance, I’m not going to support this without a new marquee on the building,” council member Mike Smith said.
Other conditional use terms include evaluation of potential effects to the surrounding buildings and getting a building permit.
Storer and Trester sought out architect Scott Webb for assistance in requesting conditional use approval from the city.
“We really appreciate the support from the planning commission … I am excited to represent Jackson and Tyler [and] anxious to start a new venture,” Webb said to council.
The floor plan includes nine golf simulator bays, a bar and seating areas. Branded T-shirts and golf accessories will also be for sale. Although no food service will be provided, the owners intend to allow food to be brought in or delivered from other local businesses.
This indoor hub has the potential to attract not only Oxford residents and nearby families, but also Miami University students, due to its attractive nature to college-age students.
Council members announce decision to dissolve the Student Community Relations Commission
The Student Community Relations Commission (SCRC), consisting of Miami students and community members, serves as an advisory board to city council to help address student and community issues.
Originally formed in 1986, Assistant City Manager Jessica Greene said the commission has struggled with attendance and failed to create actionable suggestions for the city council. The city aims to remove the SCRC and promote other avenues for student civic engagement.
Greene presented the proposal to disband the SCRC. She highlighted the city’s strengthened relationship with the President’s Office, Office of Student Life and Associated Student Government as proof of the city’s determination to work with Miami students and staff.
Additionally, the proposal aims to encourage students to participate in other advisory commissions through an annual campaign.
Council member Alex French supported the proposal and emphasized Oxford’s commitment to the community.
“This is not ending our relationship or our conversation with the students and the Miami Community…” she said.
French went on to invite Miami students both in the audience and listening on the livestream to propose new advisory boards and to get engaged with city council. French said she approved of the proposal’s plans to increase student involvement and address student and community issues.
Council member Amber Franklin said the SCRC brings a “false comfort that something is happening,” and hopes that the dissolution of the commission will lead to a more effective system with higher student involvement.
Prytherch described the SCRC as a noble effort that was “cumbersome in its design.”
Prytherch went on to express his concerns that with the SCRC gone, Miami students would no longer know where to go when faced with a community issue. He also said the limited number of positions on advisory boards could limit student participation.
An annual “State of the City” address was suggested by council member Jason Bracken, where the city could express its goals for the year, increasing transparency and creating a clear dialogue between the city and the community. This would be modeled after Miami’s “State of the University” address, given by President Gregory Crawford annually.
While some councilors have concerns over student civil engagement without the SCRC, the council expressed overall optimism in the strong relationships it has built with Miami students and staff organizations.
“Sometimes sunsetting something allows for the rebirth of something that’s newer or better,” Franklin said.
Council will meet again on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the Oxford Courthouse.
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